The military operation of Turkey’s armed forces in northern Iraq threatens the national security of this Arab republic, a statement by Iraqi President Barham Salih’s office said published on its official Twitter page on Tuesday, TASS reports. It is reported that 26 terrorists have been “neutralized” during the special Claw Castle operation while there is no mention of civilian casualties.
“The office of the republic’s president observes with alarm Turkey’s continued military operations in Iraqi Kurdistan and considers them a violation of the country’s sovereignty and a threat to its national security,” the statement noted. It also stressed that the Iraqi leadership resolutely rejects all attempts to turn the republic into an “arena to settle scores.”
That said, the president’s office confirmed the aspiration “to bolster positive relations with Turkey based on common interests as well as to resolve security issues through cooperation and coordination.”
Overnight on Monday, the Turkish armed forces launched a new military operation against the members of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) in northern Iraq involving the country’s air force and special forces. Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said that the goals of the first stage of the operation had been attained. He also added that the sole aim of the Turkish military is to eliminate terrorists.